• About
    • About Us
    • Our Team
  • Locations
    • ALABAMA
      • Birmingham, AL
    • CALIFORNIA
      • Southern California
    • COLORADO
      • Denver, CO
    • FLORIDA
      • Broward County, FL
      • Jacksonville, FL
      • Miami, FL
      • Naples, FL
      • Orlando, FL
      • Palm Beach County, FL
      • Tallahassee, FL
      • Tampa, FL
    • GEORGIA
      • Atlanta, GA
    • NEW JERSEY
      • South Jersey
    • NORTH CAROLINA
      • Charlotte, NC
    • OHIO
      • Northwestern Ohio
      • Southern Ohio
    • PENNSYLVANIA
      • Philadelphia, PA
    • SOUTH CAROLINA
      • Charleston, SC
    • TEXAS
      • Austin, TX
      • Dallas, TX
    • TENNESSEE
      • Nashville, TN
  • Publishing
    • Content Guidelines for Publishing
    • General Article Submission Guidelines
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
Sunday, February 17, 2019
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Birmingham Christian Voice
53 °f
Birmingham
  • News
    • All
    • Alabama
    • Birmingham
    • Government
    • National
    • Politics
    • World
    Ancient Bible Seized from Smugglers in Turkey

    Ancient Bible Seized from Smugglers in Turkey

    Study: Nearly Half of Christian Millennials Say Evangelism is Wrong

    Study: Nearly Half of Christian Millennials Say Evangelism is Wrong

    Bible Translation Within Reach of Millions of People Worldwide

    Bible Translation Within Reach of Millions of People Worldwide

    Imam Calls for Solidarity with Christians

    Imam Calls for Solidarity with Christians

    What a ‘Night to Shine’

    What a ‘Night to Shine’

    Research Suggests Religious People Are Happier

    Research Suggests Religious People Are Happier

    Nearly Half of British Millennials Don’t Have a Relationship with the Bible

    Nearly Half of British Millennials Don’t Have a Relationship with the Bible

    Trump Supports Bible Literacy Classes

    Trump Supports Bible Literacy Classes

    More Swiss Are Leaving the Church—Study

    More Swiss Are Leaving the Church—Study

    Trending Tags

    • Church
      • All
      • Missions
      • Pastors
      • Worship
      Why a House Church?

      Why a House Church?

      App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

      App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

      Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

      Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

      Oasis Hair Salon Celebrates 25 Years with Christmas Charity Event

      Oasis Hair Salon Celebrates 25 Years with Christmas Charity Event

      Enabled Project: Offering Healthcare, Support and Dignity in India

      Enabled Project: Offering Healthcare, Support and Dignity in India

      Blessed to be a Blessing

      Blessed to be a Blessing

      Reflecting on Privileges, Burdens of Ministry

      Reflecting on Privileges, Burdens of Ministry

      New Bible Published to Help Catholics in Scriptural Knowledge

      New Bible Published to Help Catholics in Scriptural Knowledge

      But For the Grace of God

      But For the Grace of God

    • Business
      • All
      • Finance
      • Leadership
      Are You Passionate?

      Are You Passionate?

      Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

      Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

      Financial Tips For Single Women

      Financial Tips For Single Women

      7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

      7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

      Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

      Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

      10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

      10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

      Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

      Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

      If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

      If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

      Christ Fellowship Conference 2018, February 7-8

      Christ Fellowship Conference 2018, February 7-8

    • Faith
      • All
      • Inspiration
      Yes, Virginia, There is a God

      Yes, Virginia, There is a God

      My Broken Road

      My Broken Road

      Who is Joel?

      Who is Joel?

      The Angry Woman

      The Angry Woman

      Joslynn’s Journey

      Joslynn’s Journey

      True Purpose Girls Conference Inspires Young Ladies

      True Purpose Girls Conference Inspires Young Ladies

      Palm Sunday—Where’s the Triumph?

      Palm Sunday—Where’s the Triumph?

      “Make a Difference Today”

      “Make a Difference Today”

      The Joy Stealer

      The Joy Stealer

      Trending Tags

      • Lifestyle
        • All
        • Books
        • Education
        • Entertainment
        • family
        • Food
        • Health
        • Humor
        • Tech
        • Travel
        REVIEW: ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ is a fun ride with a good message, but …

        REVIEW: ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ is a fun ride with a good message, but …

        Screen Time Safety for Children: The Latest Research

        Screen Time Safety for Children: The Latest Research

        REVIEW: ‘The Lego Movie 2’ and traditional gender roles

        REVIEW: ‘The Lego Movie 2’ and traditional gender roles

        REVIEW: ‘Green Book,’ Racism and Christianity

        REVIEW: ‘Green Book,’ Racism and Christianity

        REVIEW: ‘Stan and Ollie’ is a marvelous tale about friendship

        REVIEW: ‘Stan and Ollie’ is a marvelous tale about friendship

        Big Daddy Weave Kicks Off Alive Tour in February

        Big Daddy Weave Kicks Off Alive Tour in February

        REVIEW: ‘Glass’ is a tale about evil superheroes. Huh?

        REVIEW: ‘Glass’ is a tale about evil superheroes. Huh?

        Saying Good-Bye to Pets

        Saying Good-Bye to Pets

        REVIEW: ‘Social Animals’ spotlights perilous combination of teens and Instagram

        REVIEW: ‘Social Animals’ spotlights perilous combination of teens and Instagram

        Trending Tags

        • Sports
          To Empower and Encourage

          To Empower and Encourage

          Are You Passionate?

          Are You Passionate?

          There is Another Way

          There is Another Way

          Did God See That Coming?

          Did God See That Coming?

          SEC Fan Recommends “Buckeye Believer”

          SEC Fan Recommends “Buckeye Believer”

          Wentz is Finding His Voice

          Wentz is Finding His Voice

          Tennessee Titan Brett Kern Talks to Nashville Christian Voice – Part 1

          Tennessee Titan Brett Kern Talks to Nashville Christian Voice – Part 1

          Regions Tradition Golf Tournament 2018

          Regions Tradition Golf Tournament 2018

          SEC Baseball in Birmingham

          SEC Baseball in Birmingham

        • News
          • All
          • Alabama
          • Birmingham
          • Government
          • National
          • Politics
          • World
          Ancient Bible Seized from Smugglers in Turkey

          Ancient Bible Seized from Smugglers in Turkey

          Study: Nearly Half of Christian Millennials Say Evangelism is Wrong

          Study: Nearly Half of Christian Millennials Say Evangelism is Wrong

          Bible Translation Within Reach of Millions of People Worldwide

          Bible Translation Within Reach of Millions of People Worldwide

          Imam Calls for Solidarity with Christians

          Imam Calls for Solidarity with Christians

          What a ‘Night to Shine’

          What a ‘Night to Shine’

          Research Suggests Religious People Are Happier

          Research Suggests Religious People Are Happier

          Nearly Half of British Millennials Don’t Have a Relationship with the Bible

          Nearly Half of British Millennials Don’t Have a Relationship with the Bible

          Trump Supports Bible Literacy Classes

          Trump Supports Bible Literacy Classes

          More Swiss Are Leaving the Church—Study

          More Swiss Are Leaving the Church—Study

          Trending Tags

          • Church
            • All
            • Missions
            • Pastors
            • Worship
            Why a House Church?

            Why a House Church?

            App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

            App Sees Increase in Bible Engagement with 1 Million New Subscribers in 24 Hours

            Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

            Weighing In On Death of John Allen Chau

            Oasis Hair Salon Celebrates 25 Years with Christmas Charity Event

            Oasis Hair Salon Celebrates 25 Years with Christmas Charity Event

            Enabled Project: Offering Healthcare, Support and Dignity in India

            Enabled Project: Offering Healthcare, Support and Dignity in India

            Blessed to be a Blessing

            Blessed to be a Blessing

            Reflecting on Privileges, Burdens of Ministry

            Reflecting on Privileges, Burdens of Ministry

            New Bible Published to Help Catholics in Scriptural Knowledge

            New Bible Published to Help Catholics in Scriptural Knowledge

            But For the Grace of God

            But For the Grace of God

          • Business
            • All
            • Finance
            • Leadership
            Are You Passionate?

            Are You Passionate?

            Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

            Questions To Ask Before Taking Social Security

            Financial Tips For Single Women

            Financial Tips For Single Women

            7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

            7 Ways to Create Your CEO Lifestyle

            Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

            Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

            10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

            10 Tips to Save Big on Your Car Insurance

            Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

            Surprising Things You Can Expect From a Christian Writers Conference

            If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

            If You Weren’t Afraid What Would You Do?

            Christ Fellowship Conference 2018, February 7-8

            Christ Fellowship Conference 2018, February 7-8

          • Faith
            • All
            • Inspiration
            Yes, Virginia, There is a God

            Yes, Virginia, There is a God

            My Broken Road

            My Broken Road

            Who is Joel?

            Who is Joel?

            The Angry Woman

            The Angry Woman

            Joslynn’s Journey

            Joslynn’s Journey

            True Purpose Girls Conference Inspires Young Ladies

            True Purpose Girls Conference Inspires Young Ladies

            Palm Sunday—Where’s the Triumph?

            Palm Sunday—Where’s the Triumph?

            “Make a Difference Today”

            “Make a Difference Today”

            The Joy Stealer

            The Joy Stealer

            Trending Tags

            • Lifestyle
              • All
              • Books
              • Education
              • Entertainment
              • family
              • Food
              • Health
              • Humor
              • Tech
              • Travel
              REVIEW: ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ is a fun ride with a good message, but …

              REVIEW: ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ is a fun ride with a good message, but …

              Screen Time Safety for Children: The Latest Research

              Screen Time Safety for Children: The Latest Research

              REVIEW: ‘The Lego Movie 2’ and traditional gender roles

              REVIEW: ‘The Lego Movie 2’ and traditional gender roles

              REVIEW: ‘Green Book,’ Racism and Christianity

              REVIEW: ‘Green Book,’ Racism and Christianity

              REVIEW: ‘Stan and Ollie’ is a marvelous tale about friendship

              REVIEW: ‘Stan and Ollie’ is a marvelous tale about friendship

              Big Daddy Weave Kicks Off Alive Tour in February

              Big Daddy Weave Kicks Off Alive Tour in February

              REVIEW: ‘Glass’ is a tale about evil superheroes. Huh?

              REVIEW: ‘Glass’ is a tale about evil superheroes. Huh?

              Saying Good-Bye to Pets

              Saying Good-Bye to Pets

              REVIEW: ‘Social Animals’ spotlights perilous combination of teens and Instagram

              REVIEW: ‘Social Animals’ spotlights perilous combination of teens and Instagram

              Trending Tags

              • Sports
                To Empower and Encourage

                To Empower and Encourage

                Are You Passionate?

                Are You Passionate?

                There is Another Way

                There is Another Way

                Did God See That Coming?

                Did God See That Coming?

                SEC Fan Recommends “Buckeye Believer”

                SEC Fan Recommends “Buckeye Believer”

                Wentz is Finding His Voice

                Wentz is Finding His Voice

                Tennessee Titan Brett Kern Talks to Nashville Christian Voice – Part 1

                Tennessee Titan Brett Kern Talks to Nashville Christian Voice – Part 1

                Regions Tradition Golf Tournament 2018

                Regions Tradition Golf Tournament 2018

                SEC Baseball in Birmingham

                SEC Baseball in Birmingham

              No Result
              View All Result
              Birmingham Christian Voice
              No Result
              View All Result

              LifeWay Research: Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, not Music or Preachers

              by Guest
              June 28, 2018
              in Church, Featured
              0
              LifeWay Research: Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, not Music or Preachers
              0
              SHARES
              12
              VIEWS
              Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

              By Bob Smietana, Senior Writer for Facts and Trends

              NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Most churchgoers will put up with a change in music style or a different preacher. But don’t mess with a church’s beliefs or there may be an exodus, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

              The study of Protestant churchgoers found most are committed to staying at their church over the long haul. But more than half say they would strongly consider leaving if the church’s beliefs changed.

              Pastors often worry about changing church music and setting off a “worship war,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. But few say they would leave over music.

              Churchgoers are much more concerned about their church’s beliefs.

              “Mess with the music and people may grumble,” he said. “Mess with theology and they’re out the door.”

              Churchgoers Stay Put

              LifeWay Research surveyed 1,010 Protestant churchgoers—those who attend services at least once a month—to see how strongly they are tied to their local congregations.

              Researchers found most churchgoers stay put.

              Thirty-five% have been at their church between 10 and 24 years. Twenty-seven% have been there for 25 years or more. Twenty-one% have been there less than five years, while 17% have been at the same church for between five and nine years.

              Lutherans (52%), Methodists (40%) and Baptists (31%) are most likely to have been at their church for 25 years or more. Fewer nondenominational (11%) or Assemblies of God/Pentecostal churchgoers (13%) have such long tenure.

              “Most church members have been at their church longer than their pastor,” said McConnell.

              More than half (57%) of churchgoers say they are completely committed to continuing to attend their current church. About a quarter (28%) are “very much” committed, while 11% are moderately committed. Two% are slightly committed, while 1% are not committed at all.

              “The average church in the United States has less than 100 attenders,” McConnell said. “Losing 10 or 15 people could make a huge impact.”

              The more people go to church, the more committed they are to attending their same church in the future. Those who attend at least once a week are twice as likely to be completely committed to attending their church (62%) than people who go once or twice a month (31%). Those who attend once or twice a month are more likely to be moderately committed (36%) than those who go at least once a week (7%).

              Churchgoers with evangelical beliefs are more likely to be completely committed (67%) than those who don’t have evangelical beliefs (45%). Baptists (60%) are more likely to be completely committed than Lutherans (47%).

              About two-thirds (63%) of churchgoers who are 65 or older are completely committed to attending their same church in the future. That drops to 50% for those younger than 35.

              Older churchgoers are also least likely to want to leave their church. When asked if they’ve thought about going to another church in their area, 92% of those 65 or older say no.

              Overall, 15% of churchgoers say they have thought about going to another church in the past six months. Eighty-five% say they have not.

              Of those thinking about going to another church, about half (54%) have already visited another church. Forty-six% have not.

              “If people are thinking about leaving your church, chances are they’ve already started looking,” said McConnell. “So they’re probably halfway out the door.”

              Most feel their beliefs line up with the church

              For the most part, churchgoers say they agree with their church’s teaching. About half (52%) say their beliefs are completely aligned with those of the church. Forty-two% say their beliefs are mostly aligned. Fewer than 3% say their beliefs are slightly aligned, not aligned or they don’t know their church’s beliefs.

              Education plays some role in how churchgoers view their church’s theology. Churchgoers who have graduate degrees are less likely to accept all their church’s teachings. Only a third (35%) say their beliefs are completely aligned with those of the church. Sixty% say their beliefs are mostly aligned.

              Two-thirds (62%) of churchgoers who have evangelical beliefs say they are completely aligned with their church’s theology, while a third are mostly aligned. By contrast, 39% of churchgoers who don’t have evangelical beliefs say they are completely aligned, and about half (53%) are mostly aligned.

              Sixty% of churchgoers at big churches—those with more than 1,000 attenders—say they are completely aligned with their church’s theology. That drops to 46% at churches with fewer than 50 attenders.

              Baptists (57%) and nondenominational churchgoers (61%) are more likely to say they are completely aligned with their church’s theology than Lutherans (43%) or Methodists (25%).

              Still, churchgoers don’t like to see changes in their church’s doctrine. More than half (54%) say they’d seriously consider leaving if church doctrine changed.

              Researchers asked about other factors that might cause churchgoers to switch churches. Nearly half (48%) would change churches if the churchgoer moved to a new home.

              Some churchgoers would leave if the preaching style changed (19%), if the pastor left (12%) or if a family member wanted a new church (10%). Nine% say they would leave over politics. Fewer would leave if they didn’t feel needed (6%), if the music style changed (5%), if they had a conflict (4%) or if a friend stopped attending (3%).

              The survey shows churchgoers care about doctrine, said McConnell.

              “Still, pastors can’t assume everyone in the pews agrees with their preaching,” McConnell said. “Overall, 94% believe most or all of their church’s teaching. But there’s still substantial wiggle room.

              “Every time a pastor gets up to preach, there’s a good chance more than a few people in the pews are going to disagree,” he said.

              Most find church programs helpful

              Researchers also looked at how effective churches are in helping people grow spiritually.

              Most churchgoers think their church is doing a good job. Three-quarters (76%) think their church has been either extremely helpful (36%) or very helpful (40%) in their spiritual growth. Sixteen% say the church is moderately helpful.

              Relatively few say the church has not been helpful (1%) in their spiritual growth or are not sure (2%).

              Churchgoers did have some suggestions on ways churches can help them grow. Among them:
              27% want their church to help them understand more about God and the Bible.
              20% want their church to help them find new ways to serve.
              19% want their church to provide more Bible study groups.
              16% want their church to help them get to know more people in church.
              14% say their church could provide forums to answer their spiritual questions.
              13% want their church to give them more chances to serve.
              13% want their church to provide worship experiences that fit their needs.
              9% want their church to provide more interaction with the pastor.
              8% want their church to provide them with a mentor.
              Even though most churchgoers are staying put and are relatively happy, there’s some reason for concern, McConnell said.

              At any given church, about 15% of the congregation is thinking about leaving. If they go, the church could suffer.

              “The average church in the United States has less than 100 attenders,” McConnell said. “Losing 10 or 15 people could make a huge impact.”

              Bob Smietana is senior writer for Facts & Trends .

              Methodology

              LifeWay Research conducted the study Aug. 22–30, 2017. The survey was conducted using the web-enabled KnowledgePanel®, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. population. Initially, participants are chosen scientifically by a random selection of telephone numbers and residential addresses. People in selected households are then invited by telephone or by mail to participate in the web-enabled KnowledgePanel®. For those who agree to participate but do not already have internet access, GfK provides at no cost a laptop and ISP connection.

              For this survey, a nationally representative sample of U.S. Protestant and nondenominational adults (18 and older) who attend religious services once a month or more often was selected from the KnowledgePanel®.

              Sample stratification and base weights were used for gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, metro/non-metro, home ownership, education and income to reflect the most recent U.S. Census data. Study-specific weights included for gender by age, race/ethnicity, region and education to reflect GSS 2016 data. The completed sample is 1,010 surveys. The sample provides 95% confidence that the sampling error does not exceed plus or minus 3.1%age points. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups.

              Evangelical beliefs are defined using the NAE/LifeWay Research Evangelical Beliefs Research Definition based on respondent beliefs. Respondents are asked their level of agreement with four separate statements using a four-point, forced-choice scale (strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, strongly disagree). Respondents are categorized as having evangelical beliefs if they strongly agree with all four statements:
              The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.
              It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.

              Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.

              Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.

              LifeWay Research is a Nashville-based, evangelical research firm that specializes in surveys about faith in culture and matters that affect churches.

              Facebook Comments

              Tags: church attendancechurchgoers
              Guest

              Guest

              Next Post
              Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

              Last U.S. Toys R Us Store to Close Friday

              Recommended

              Oldest Christian Communities in Turkey Fear Extinction

              2 years ago

              Pakistan Prosecutor Offers Acquittal for Christians’ Conversion

              2 years ago

              Popular News

                Connect with us

                Newsletter

                Join our newsletter and stay up to date with Christian news and events.

                SUBSCRIBE

                About Us

                B'ham Christian Voice is part of One Christian Voice, a growing Christian news network in the United States.


                We share world news, national news, stories to inspire you and information on activities and events in and around Birmingham, Alabama.

                Locations

                Alabama
                California
                Colorado
                Florida
                Georgia
                New Jersey
                North Carolina
                Ohio
                Pennsylvania
                South Carolina
                Tennessee
                Texas

                Connect with us

                • About
                • Advertise
                • Careers
                • Contact

                © 2018 Birmingham Christian Voice. - A division of One Christian Voice.

                No Result
                View All Result
                • Home
                • Politics
                • World
                • Business
                • Science
                • National
                • Entertainment
                • Music
                • Sports
                • Fashion
                • Lifestyle
                • Travel
                • Tech
                • Health
                • Food

                © 2018 Birmingham Christian Voice. - A division of One Christian Voice.

                Login to your account below

                Forgotten Password?

                Fill the forms bellow to register

                All fields are required. Log In

                Retrieve your password

                Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

                Log In